Prince William was at the event as patron of The Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry which launched the Coach Core programme in July 2012

Just a few months after the Duchess of Cambridge showed of her natural aptitude on a volleyball court, her husband the Duke of Cambridge was also able to display his athletic ability at a volleyball skills training session on December 5.

Onlookers said the Duke of Cambridge got off to a shaky start at the coaching skills session but soon got into the swing of things.

“He came in late, but he adapted very quickly,” said Greg Mateo, a mentor helping run the activity at the Westway Sports Centre in Kensington.

Prince William met his match in a 13-year-old boy who confessed he felt sorry for the future King yesterday after watching him failing to return his volleyball serves.

"Sorry, my bad," the second in line to the throne said after trying to dig the ball and completely missing his first shot in return to Vinojh Kalaiselvan, 13, before letting the ball practically land at his feet when young player served again.

"I felt a bit sorry for him," said Vinojh. "I think it was his first time playing, so if he practises and practises, he'll get better."

The intense programme aims to give 16 to 24-year-olds, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, sports coach qualifications and inspire their peers.